American Wolf

The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone was controversial when it happened in 1995, and it added more fuel to the blazing feud between conservationists and the ranchers and hunters who wish wolves had never returned to the Rockies.

Monday, we're talking about wolves, and one wolf in particular. O-six was a charismatic alpha female and one of the most famous wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Adored by wolf watchers and wildlife advocates, she was also challenged on all fronts: by hunters, by cattle ranchers, and by other wolves. In a new book, Nate Blakeslee tells O-Six's story and explores the ongoing clash of values that roils around her and her kind. It is nothing less than a battle over the very soul of the West.

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For centuries, humans have waged war against other apex predators, and mostly, we’ve won. But at what cost? And how successful have we really been? Stories of backyard bears and cat-eating coyotes are becoming increasingly common—even for people living in non-rural areas. In a new book, wildlife biologist John Shivik lays out a game plan for ending our conflict with wolves, coyotes, bears and cougars, while maintaining safety and maintaining healthy ecosystems. He joins us Tuesday to make his case.

It’s been 20 years since wolves were reintroduced to the American West and placed on the endangered species list. Advocates for the wolf say the animals serve a vital role in the region’s ecology. Hunters and ranchers, meanwhile, see wolves as a threat to their way of life, one imposed by an intrusive federal government. KUED 7 has produced a new documentary that explores both sides of this heated controversy. We’ll talk about it Thursday, and examine how the return of wolves to the West is playing out.

Serious researchers long shied away from so-called anthropomorphism. But biologist John Shivik says animal personalities and emotion are key to understanding how species evolved. So why are some animals shy and others ornery? Shivik joins us Thursday.

Friday we’re talking about a homegrown American success: coyotes. The country has been at war with the iconic species since white settlers first reached the heartland plains. But coyotes, according to historian Dan Flores, not only survived our assault on them, they simultaneously expanded their range across the continent and into our cities. Flores joins us Friday to explore the coyote’s fascinating story of resilience and adaptability and how it parallels our own version of Manifest Destiny. (Rebroadcast)